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January 16, 2009

Papelbon, Lopez File For Arbitration

If the Red Sox can't reach contract agreements with Papelbon or Lopez by next week, salary arbitration figures will be exchanged between the players and the club.

Even if that ends up happening, expect the Red Sox to at least sign Papelbon and Lopez to one-year deals before arbitration is necessary.

This is Theo Epstein's seventh winter as the Red Sox's general manager, and he has never gone to arbitration.

Papelbon was paid $775,000 in 2008.

David Ortiz says if his left wrist is healthy, he will play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. ... Daisuke Matsuzaka will work out on his own in Japan and not arrive in camp until after the WBC (which ends March 23).

Mark Kotsay finalized a $1.5 million contract for 2009. It includes performance bonuses of $200,000 for 300, 350, 400, 450, and 500 plate appearances.

Theo Epstein says that if "if nothing makes sense" regarding a trade or resigning Jason Varitek, the Red Sox are prepared to go to spring training with catchers Josh Bard, Dusty Brown and George Kottaras.

We'd like to find another catcher. If we can't, we're pretty confident with what we have. We trust Josh. The other two were a pretty good platoon. We'd like to add another. But we'll see.

7 comments:

Is this really how Tek's final chapter in baseball will be written? I don't fault the Sox but it would be a shame to see someone who has been such an integral part of Boston for the past decade or so end his tenure in this fashion.

Regardless, moving on may be in the best interest of the team at this point. We've been spoiled during his tenure (save the past couple of seasons) of having a reliable backstop with a decent bat. Of course, if you consider the high rate of turnover in the shortstop department since Nomar's departure, then instability at one of its positions should be nothing new for the Red Sox - or any team for that matter.

not having #33 behind the plate this upcoming season is a weird thought. but as i said before he is spetacular behind the plate, but with a bat...... http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/baseball/red_sox/view/2009_01_17_Jason_Varitek_in_play:_Catcher__owner_John_Henry_meet/srvc=home&position=recent this reminds me of MJ and now Favre, lets see how we pan this out